COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
United States flag
$
Log in

Buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Chicago - Indianapolis Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Bus Route Overview: Chicago to Indianapolis

There are 13 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis usually takes around 4 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest OurBus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Shortest duration3h 20m
Cheapest price$18.00
Trips per day13
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines5

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

(Based on 42 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Nikolas

April 11, 2022- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: I appreciate the quickness and ease of being able to buy a ticket and hop on board. Cons: The Wifi has always been a bit unbearable, but could be because there is so many people trying to use it. Also, the bathrooms were not working. Tips: Just make sure to arriv...

Pros: I appreciate the quickness and ease of being able to buy a ticket and hop on board. Cons: The Wifi has always been a bit unbearable, but could be because there is so many people trying to use it. Also, the bathrooms were not working. Tips: Just make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. I believe seats are first come first serve, so it’s better to get your seat and be comfortably seated and a little early.

More

4.0

Nik

March 28, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: I was happy that it was a direct trip. Yes, there were a few stops, but only briefly. Cons: The restroom on the vehicle was not working. This is difficult with a full bus of people and no stops anywhere. Tips: Arrive at least 30 minutes prior. Amtrak lacks proper...

Pros: I was happy that it was a direct trip. Yes, there were a few stops, but only briefly. Cons: The restroom on the vehicle was not working. This is difficult with a full bus of people and no stops anywhere. Tips: Arrive at least 30 minutes prior. Amtrak lacks proper directional signage, so you will be looking around or asking for help.

More

5.0

Elena

January 21, 2022- Visiting family

OurBus

Pros: The driver was very helpful and friendly. He answered all my questions concerning the details of the trip. Cons: Everything was good.

Pros: The driver was very helpful and friendly. He answered all my questions concerning the details of the trip. Cons: Everything was good.

5.0

Rachel

December 23, 2021- Visiting family

OurBus

Pros: We arrived earlier actually. Cons: Write the WiFi password somewhere. Having the driver say it isn't the best option. Tips: Book it!

Pros: We arrived earlier actually. Cons: Write the WiFi password somewhere. Having the driver say it isn't the best option. Tips: Book it!

5.0

Robert

November 28, 2021- Solo travel

OurBus

Pros: Comfortable ride, friendly and helpful driver, made it on time! Cons: I think we hit a snag at a tolling booth where couldn't get through - not sure what the issue was but was worried it would set us back re time of arrival but we were ok.

Pros: Comfortable ride, friendly and helpful driver, made it on time! Cons: I think we hit a snag at a tolling booth where couldn't get through - not sure what the issue was but was worried it would set us back re time of arrival but we were ok.

Chicago to Indianapolis Route Map

Chicago Indianapolis

Buses from Chicago to Indianapolis

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis?

$28.60 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Indianapolis. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Indianapolis is expected to range from $31 to $34. If you are looking to travel to Indianapolis within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $31. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $31 and can be found on May 13, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JJASONDJFMAM
Traveling from Chicago to Indianapolis by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for that route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $37 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 27 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $11.10 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Indianapolis?

There are 5 bus lines from Chicago to Indianapolis available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 5 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway24h 38m$33.00
FlixBus US13h 30m$23.87
Greyhound54h 5m$32.47
Miller Transportation43h 58m$46.95
OurBus23h 49m$27.34
  • Amtrak Thruway

    Amtrak Thruway

    Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Chicago to Indianapolis start at $33. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Chicago to Indianapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 5 bus trips from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from $29.

    GLI-0GLI-1GLI-2GLI-3GLI-4
  • Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation, through its popular bus service Hoosier Ride, connects a number of cities across six states in the Midwest via intercity bus travel. Miller buses keep you connected throughout your journey with free WiFi and power outlets on board. The carrier is consistently rated well for on-time bus arrivals. The trip from Chicago to Indianapolis usually lasts 3 hours and 58 minutes on Miller Transportation, and ticket prices start at $40.

  • OurBus

    OurBus

    OurBus is an intercity bus company based in New York City. OurBus provides cheap bus tickets to some of the most popular cities in the United States. All OurBus coaches come equipped with a generous roster of amenities, including extra legroom, freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary bottled water. With cheap bus tickets starting from $18, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train from Chicago to Indianapolis?

Yes, there is a train from Chicago to Indianapolis. The Amtrak Cardinal covers this route 1 time per day. Tickets average about $28, and the trip takes almost 5 hours.

What is the best way to get from Chicago to Indianapolis?

The best way to get from Chicago to Indianapolis is probably by bus. The bus is often both the cheapest and fastest travel option for this particular route, and also has the most schedules per day.

How do you get from Chicago O’Hare to Indianapolis?

To get from Chicago O’Hare to Indianapolis, you’ll take a 46 minute subway trip from the O’Hare station to the Clinton Blue Line Station. From there, you can travel two blocks north and catch a bus from Union Station, about three blocks south to take a Megabus, or about a block and a half southwest to the Greyhound station.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Chicago to Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Indianapolis?

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 165 miles from Chicago to Indianapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 20 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by buses from Chicago to Indianapolis on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Chicago?

The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 13 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Indianapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Chicago to Indianapolis without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Indianapolis; ticket prices start at $29.00.

City Information

Chicago

Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.

You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.

Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Indianapolis leave from 5 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Union Station

  • Canal St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • 355 S Canal St

Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All bus stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • E Washington St

  • Intl Airport - Zone 1 Ground Transp Ctr

  • 230 E Washington St- Curbside Bus Stop

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Chicago?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More buses from Chicago

Continue by bus from Indianapolis

    Check out these popular routes

    Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

    With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

    Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

    Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

    iPhone
    Android
    Available on iOS & Android